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Weddings

About

The Historic Maxwell Room is a vintage garden and banquet hall-style wedding venue in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Originally built in 1925, it is an example of the Boom period’s Mediterranean Revival architecture, and features elegant European-inspired design throughout. An ideal choice for an upscale celebration with plenty of historical charm, wedding parties can expect support from a team of events specialists.

Facilities and Capacity

The Historic Maxwell Room can host a maximum of 120 guests in one of three available spaces. The courtyard is located in front of the Maxwell Room entrance and features a blend of hanging bistro lights and plant life. It is a charming setting for ceremonies or receptions bathed in the natural light of the Sunshine State. The New River Seawall sits on the south side of New River and is an open environment that proposes couples exchange vows in a distinctly urban setting. The Historic Den exudes 1920s charm with its arches and colonnades built from rugged industrial bricks. The room is adaptable and can be set up to suit both ceremonies and receptions with plenty of space on offer. Furniture rental, including chairs, comes as standard when booking the venue. There is parking on-site for guests.

Services Offered

The Historic Maxwell Room’s staff offers venue packages that include everything couples need for an unforgettable celebration. They can provide customized packages that include event coordination, setup, cleanup, and a range of event items. Audiovisual equipment such as a sound system is also available upon request.

Cuisine

The kitchen staff serves American cuisine and can accommodate gluten-free, lactose-free, no pork, vegan, and vegetarian dietary restrictions. They offer brunch menus, luncheons, dinner entrees, and desserts. They also offer bar services, with bartenders and a range of services. These include a cash bar, open bar, and signature drinks that are created especially for the event at hand. Guests will adore dishes such as Chicken Skewers and Stuffed Mushrooms, washed down with a glass of champagne.

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?

$900

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

Yes

Which of the following are included in the starting site fee?

Chairs
Clean Up
Parking
Set Up

Which of the following are included in the cost of wedding catering?

Cake Cutting
Server(s)

Which of the following are included in the starting price for bar service?

Bartender(s)
House Wine

Describe your venue:

Banquet Hall
Garden
Historic Building

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party
Elopements
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Bar Services
Catering Services
Clean Up
Event Planner
Event Rentals
Outside Vendors
Wifi

What catering services do you offer?

Buffet
Cocktail Reception
Dessert
Hors d'oeuvres
Outside Cake
Plated
Server(s)
Stations
Tastings

What bar services do you provide?

Bartender(s)
Cash Bar
Champagne Toast
House Beer
House Liquor
House Wine
Liquor License
Open Bar
Premium Liquor
Signature Drink
Specialty Wine

What event items are available?

Aisle Runners
Audio Equipment
Chairs
Chair Covers
Dance Floor
Lighting
Tables

What food and beverage items are available?

Barware
China
Flatware
Glassware
Linens

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

January
February
March
April
May
October
November
December

What months are included in your off-peak season?

June
July
August
September

Reviews of The Historic Maxwell Room

Adrianna
Adrianna Sent on 07/11/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Beautiful, intimate reception venue

This is a really great venue for a smaller wedding reception! My husband and I hosted about 60 people and it was the perfect size. Anything bigger would have made it seem empty, and anything smaller would have been cramped. There is a really lovely sitting area, then a great sized dance floor, the area for dining, and a huge bar. The food is great (they were very receptive to the changes we asked them to make after we did our tasting), and overall the atmosphere and location is just lovely!!

Alice is a phenomenal hostess and was so kind and professional. We really appreciate her and all her help, not only with planning, but also day of. She was an incredibly comforting presence and her friendliness was a breath of fresh air. I highly recommend doing the virtual tour of the Maxwell room on their website, then visiting in person if you're interested!!
Kristine
Kristine Sent on 02/05/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Beautiful and Unique Venue

This venue is amazing. It has a character and charm that can’t be beat. We loved the ambiance from the moment we saw it. The food is fantastic and they have all you could need to have a great time.

If all that wasn’t enough, Libby (the venue coordinator) is a dream. She takes care of everything and makes the process so easy and fun. Not only did Libby provide us with a wonderful experience and ideas that were perfect for our day, she recommended fantastic vendors which made things a piece of cake. Libby raved about our vendors and for good reason, they were all awesome. Beyond that, every vendor couldn’t stop telling us how lucky we were to be working with Libby and they were right.

You can’t go wrong with hosting an event at the Historic Maxwell Room and Libby is the icing on the cake! Thank you for an amazing experience!
Maris
Maris Sent on 01/18/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Perfect Fort Lauderdale Gem

I had my wedding at the Maxwell Room on 12/17/22 and it was absolutely perfect! Libby was a wonderful help from the start in coordinating the event and everything went off without a hitch, even though we ended up with around 15 more people than we'd originally planned for.

We got so many compliments on how awesome the venue was from our guests. The food and service were perfect as well. This venue such a gorgeous hidden gem and I highly recommend it to all.
Mary
Mary Sent on 11/22/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Amazing Venue

This beautiful venue is everything you could dream of and more. Mrs. Libby (the building coordinator) is the most professional and welcoming person. The staff is sweet and understanding and goes above and beyond to make your wedding dreams come true. They are flexible with vendors coming in and have a great list of vendors to provide you as well. I couldn’t have found a better venue that met all of my needs from the day of the wedding to planning and food tasting. You will not regret this venue.
H
Hailee Sent on 07/11/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Beautifully perfect!

My gosh did I love having my wedding here! Not only is this venue beautiful and the perfect size for an intimate wedding, but it is just ran so well! Libby is just so fantastic to work with and truly knows what she’s doing when it comes to wedding and events! We were so lucky to be able to work with her and have our wedding here! I couldn’t have imagined a better day!
L
Lizett Sent on 12/21/2020
5 out of 5 rating

Loved the Historic Maxwell Room

Libby is amazing! From the moment we met I realized all the wonderful reviews were spot on! She must love her job and clearly cares about her brides! The location is truly a hidden gem. The food was delicious! The beautiful brick arches, impressive wooden bar, and lovely outdoor courtyard, really creates a very romantic and classic ambiance for any special event. Our wedding was beautiful and Libby was excellent to work with. She was always happy to answer questions and accommodate every special request. We are so grateful to all the vendors who made our dream wedding into a reality. Happily married since 02-14-2020!
D
Donna Sent on 03/30/2020
5 out of 5 rating

So greatful I found this place!

I am so pleased with how everything turned out and I'm so greatful I found this place! Libby was such a pleasure to work with and helped me tremendously. I had an issue with my original venue and about 6 months out I realized I needed to switch venues and found the Historic Maxwell Room and it was a godsend! I could call or email Libby with any questions or concerns and she was happy to help. Libby and her team took my vision and executed everything perfectly. I was a little disappointed that it rained and I could not have my cocktail hour outside but they made it an easy transition from ceremony to reception and it really didn't matter. I got to have the wedding of my dreams for a very reasonable price. If your looking for a romantic vintage wedding like I was this is the place! Everyone couldn't stop talking about how beautiful it was and how amazing the appetizers were! Thank you Libby for giving me my dream wedding!
User5029599 Sent on 01/13/2020
5 out of 5 rating

Don't overlook this hidden venue

Intimate venue is perfect for a guest count of 60-80 people. It didn't feel too big or too small. The atmosphere is everything! Guests commented on how elegant and romantic it was all night, and there were many compliments on the food too. Thank you to Libby and her staff for the memories!!
A
Allisha Sent on 12/12/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Love the Maxwell Room!

Where do I start? Libby is a dream to work with. Her and her staff made our wedding day stress-free! When our officiant couldn’t make it for the rehearsal, she was there to help up plan the ceremony. She was super quick to respond to any of the questions that I had when planning the event. And was there the whole night making sure all was well. Libby and her whole team, even the staff at the Downtowner, welcomed us like friends any time we asked to see the space to plan or decorate. The Maxwell Room was the only space I could find in my area that offered that northern, romantic type of local. Being in South Florida, the main options are ballrooms or hotels, and I didn’t want any of that. We kept getting compliments all night at how beautiful the space was.
D
Doreen Sent on 06/16/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Hired for wedding venue

We had our wedding at the Historic Maxwell Room. Libby worked us throughout the process. Libby was awesome & ensured that everything went smoothly. We also had our rehearsal dinner at the Downtowner which Libby assisted in coordinating for us. The food & service was wonderful.
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Awards

66
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2020 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2018 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2017 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2016 Winner

Professional Network & Endorsements

2 Endorsements
Tall Italian Productions Tall Italian Productions Wedding DJs

Love the Maxwell room at the Downtowner! Great staff and food and you're right on the New River! Awesome place for any event, large or small!

Victoria's Bridal Couture Victoria's Bridal Couture Wedding Dresses

There is so much to say about The Historic Maxwell Room with its classic Fort Lauderdale feel on the New River. I love the place and the food is fantastic. They make some of the best fish in south Florida, paired with full bar and friendly staff, you can't beat this place. The history behind this place and its longevity tells you it something you do not want to miss. Visit this place and plan your event here if you are looking for a true Fort Lauderdale event.

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Map

The Historic Maxwell Room frequently asked questions

The Historic Maxwell Room includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Chairs
  • Clean Up
  • Parking
  • Set Up
The Historic Maxwell Room includes the following items and services in its wedding catering costs:
  • Cake Cutting
  • Server(s)
The bar service starting price at The Historic Maxwell Room includes:
  • Bartender(s)
  • House Wine
The space offered by The Historic Maxwell Room for wedding events is known for:
  • Banquet Hall
  • Garden
  • Historic Building
The Historic Maxwell Room offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
  • Uncovered Outdoor
The Historic Maxwell Room offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Bridal Shower
  • Engagement Party
  • Elopements
  • Rehearsal Dinner
The Historic Maxwell Room offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Bar Services
  • Catering Services
  • Clean Up
  • Event Planner
  • Event Rentals
  • Outside Vendors
  • Wifi
The Historic Maxwell Room offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
  • Aisle Runners
  • Audio Equipment
  • Chairs
  • Chair Covers
  • Dance Floor
  • Lighting
  • Tables
The Historic Maxwell Room is recommended by 95% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.8 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 4.8 in quality of service, 4.8 in average response time, 4.8 in professionalism, 4.8 in value and 4.7 in flexibility.
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